Through the power of the Holy Spirit working through the
Word, participants will believe they have been chosen for salvation by God.

Materials Needed

Bibles

Pencil or Pen

Paper

Group Guidelines

This study is designed for groups of 4-6 people. Choose a
leader who has the largest big toe. The leader's job is to keep the group
discussion moving through the study, giving everyone an opportunity to share.

Building Community

Select the shortest person. They should stand outside the remainder of
the group. The remaining participants
form a standing circle, facing each other.
They can hold hands, lock arms or just stand closely together. The person outside has to attempt to get into
the middle of the circle. The circle has
to keep the person out. Stop after 1-2
minutes.

Have each person share when they have
been left out of something, especially something they really wanted to do.

On a piece of paper, write down the
following sentences. Take five minutes
to complete the statement. After you are
done, give your paper to the leader who will mix them up and then read them out
loud.

I feel rejected when. . .

I don't think God can ever love me
because I. . .

God will accept me when I. . .

Looking at Gods Word

Read Ephesians 1:3-6. As a group, answer the following questions.

When did God choose to save us? (verse 4)

Why did He decide to save us? (verse 5)

What did He save us to do? (verse 6)

What is our response to our
salvation? (verse 3)

Assign one of the following situations
to each participant and give them a few minutes to formulate their answers to
share with the group.

Before I was born, someone decided to
give me one million dollars. This is how
I will spend the money. . .

Before I was born, someone decided to
give me an incredible brain. This is how
I will use my knowledge. . .

Before I was born, someone decided to
give me an understanding of how others feel.
This is how I will use my empathy. . .

Before I was born, someone decided to
give me a new car every year. This is
what I will use my car for. . .

Before I was born, someone decided to give
me the ability to speak well. This is
what I will say. . .

Before I was born, someone decided to
give me a lot of good land. This is what
I will do with it. . .

Reinforcing What Has Been Learned

Have everyone share their response to the following thought: Before the world was created, God chose me in
Christ to be His own child. That makes
me feel. . . and I will respond to His love for me by. . .

Closing

Form a circle and hold hands.
Close with a circle prayer in which all thank God for His choosing and
how we will respond to that love He has for us in Christ.

Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies 8, studies on
the Epistle readings for lectionary series A, in 1995.